Wherein their first collaboration blended a number of shorter passages into a spellbinding whole, THE ROAD ETERNAL is five longer compositions that build upon a basis of complex, inventive and hypnotic sequencer patterns. Intricate and ever-changing rhythmic cycles merge with melodic phrases creating a compelling groundwork that propels the music forwards. With inspiration drawn in part from classic trance-inducing electronic music with early German roots, the project takes on an interwoven structure draped with harmonic and melodic passages. The route through the music offers different perspectives to hear or "see" on every listen.

This is the sound of big skies, open roads and soaring thoughts, pulling one towards the next destination; reflected in the music with the counterplay of long and meditative rythmic zones and constellation-like melodic elements filled with space. The tracks transpose two different worlds: Steve's southwestern desert habitat and Erik's home base in Norway. The sum of these two environments becomes a hybrid landscape of new discovery. "We are both passionate about the observation of nature and the poetic character of natural surroundings," Erik says, "The ways in which we relate to this, as well as the awareness of the ongoing passage of time. These ideas have been a driving force behind our whole artistic careers, and it is strongly reflected in this collaboration."

"In our music," Steve reflects, "a central pulse and steady momentum is present. The sensation is a consistent feeling of travel. Whether you're driving, flying, riding a train or some other form of transportation, the sound and vibration enters your body and becomes part of the meditation of the travel experience. Listening to these tracks while traveling allows the music to merge with the experience arriving at an integrated place where thoughts and imagination are unified as a soundtrack for one's own road movie. The metaphor of THE ROAD ETERNAL in the creative process is the other element of the album title: the road the artist travels with the allure of discovering what is next around the corner."

The project began in early 2010 and shifted into high gear when Erik traveled to Tucson that fall to perform at the SoundQuest Fest. After the concert, the two artists holed-up in The Timeroom for a few days channeling the energy from the fest to work non-stop towards THE ROAD ETERNAL's completion. Roach states, "This is the music I have wanted to create with Erik since I first heard his classic Traces release way back in the 80's."

With Steve on analog sequencing, electronic percussion and most of the zones and atmospheres, Erik focuses on his processed, textural, and melodic elements while performing on various guitars and guitar synthesizers. THE ROAD ETERNAL strikes a perfect balance of the artists' two distinct styles and common ground.

The sound is vibrant, emotional, full of shimmering light and saturated with optimism. With each artist having devoted over 30 years to their art, this album flows with the understanding and skill that comes from this experience, bringing their specialties together in the true spirit of collaboration.

"The combined efforts of ambient masters Steve Roach and Erik Wollo have created an extraordinary cerebral flow of ambient music that is at once adrenaline pumping, yet mesmerizing." -- MusicTap.net